A 56-year old Klamath Falls man is in custody and charged with numerous crimes including two counts of attempted murder when he allegedly intentionally rammed a car occupied by a Yakima mother and daughter on Highway 97 near Klamath Falls Saturday morning, Oregon State Police (OSP) reported.

A Yakima mother and daughter received minor injuries when Stanley Sleeper (inset) allegedly intentionally rammed their car from behind at speeds in excess of 100-mph on Highway 97. The victims' car came to rest partially submerged in a canal. - OSP photos

Martha A. Noranjo-Uriebe of Yakima, Washington and her 10-year-old daughter, Tania Camarena were northbound on Highway 97 near milepost 269, about 1 ½ miles north of Klamath Falls around 9:25 a.m. April 7 when the incident occurred, troopers said.

According to witnesses, Noranjo-Uriebe was traveling about 55-mph when a Chrysler PT Cruiser driven by Stanley Sleeper, 56, of Klamath Falls approached from behind at speeds in excess of 100-mph.

In what investigators believe to be “an intentional act directed at complete strangers”, Sleeper crashed into the back of Noranjo-Uriebe’s car, sending it careening across the southbound lane and off the highway, where it traveled through tall grass and came to rest partially submerged in a canal.

Mother and daughter were helped out of their vehicle by citizens who stopped and the scene.

Sleeper’s PT Cruiser drove off the shoulder and stopped in a field.

All three people were wearing safety restraints and received minor injuries, troopers said.They were taken by ambulance to Merle West Medical Center in Klamath Falls, treated and released.

OSP troopers and detectives took Sleeper into custody.He is lodged in the Klamath County Jail, charged with two counts of attempted murder, driving under the influence of drugs, reckless driving, and first-degree criminal mischief.

The investigation is continuing with the assistance of the Klamath County District Attorney's Office.